Prophets

“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God”

(Articles of Faith 1:9).

Q: What can I learn from living prophets and apostles?

Prophets Today

Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel.

They make known God’s will and true character.
They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences.
At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit.

~Gospel Topics

Scriptures:

D&C 1:38; 68:3–4
(When the Lord’s servants speak by the Spirit, what they say is scripture)
Jacob 7:11–12; Mosiah 13:33–35; 15:11–12

(All prophets testify of Jesus Christ)

D&C 27:12; 107:23

(Apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ)

Pres. Monson G.C. talks

Be Strong and of a Good Courage

Priesthood Session

Let us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle.

Love—the Essence of the Gospel

Sunday Morning Session

We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey.

Q: How can I improve my Scripture Study?

“Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment”

~Quentin L. Cook

Tips & Helps

Read Aloud

Use the Study Helps in the Scriptures:

-Bible Dictionary
-Footnotes and cross references
-Headings of Chapters
-Introductory Pages
-Maps
-Topical Guide

Scriptures

search, ponder, and pray:

Isaiah 34:16; 1 Nephi 10:19; D&C 88:63, 118

(If we seek, we shall find)

1 Nephi 19:23

(We should liken the scriptures to ourselves)

Psalms 119:105; 2 Nephi 4:15–16; D&C 138:1–11; Joseph Smith—History 1:11–13

(Pondering the scriptures brings revelation)

2 Nephi 32:3

(We should feast upon the words of Christ)

D&C 11:22

(Seek to obtain God’s word)

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37

(Those who treasure up the word of God will not be deceived)

How can Latter-day Saints make scripture study a priority?

Elder Eyring: The only way you can be sure that a busy schedule doesn’t crowd out scripture study is to establish a regular time to study the scriptures. I have found that the beginning of the day and the end of the day are mine. Those are times I can usually control. So my pattern since I was a boy has been to read my scriptures at the beginning and end of the day. I read the Book of Mormon many times before I was 18 because of that pattern.

When I am in situations where I break out of the pattern, it’s hard on me. Once you get used to regular scripture study, you miss it if you don’t have it. It’s like food—you have to have it. I know that I need the scriptures like I need food. I don’t miss a regular meal, and I don’t miss regular scripture study.

Special Witnesses

[15] President Monson - Book of Mormon, Afterlife

Q: How does reverence help me receive revelation?

When we are reverent, we show our love for God and are better able to receive personal revelation. A reverent attitude helps make us more sensitive to the still, small voice of the Spirit.

If we treat sacred things with reverence, Heavenly Father will trust us and reveal to us additional truths.

What Does Reverence

Mean to You?

Reverence is ______________. Opposite is ____________.

Reverence is profound respect and love. When you have a reverent attitude toward God, you honor Him, express your gratitude to Him, and obey His commandments; E.g:

prayer, scripture study, tithing
modest clothing, clean language
good music & entertainment
serve others, treat them with kindness and respect

Satan will use irreverence to jam the channels of your personal revelation from God.

Scriptures

1 Kings 19:12; 3 Nephi 11:1–7, Heleman 5:30

(God communicates through a still, small voice)
It was Nephi who reminded his brothers that an angel “hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words.” (1 Ne. 17:45)

D&C 63:64; 84:54–57

(Treat sacred things with reverence)

“For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (2 Ne. 32:3–5.)

Reverence Invites Revelation

"When we meet to learn the doctrines of the gospel, it should be in a spirit of reverence."

"No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than, “Ask, and ye shall receive.”"

~Elder Packer

Reverence in Prayer

"There is something else: We are drifting from the use of reverential words in our prayers. Familiar terms such as you and yours are replacing thee and thine in prayer.

Teach the children and gently inform new members that we use reverential terms when addressing our Heavenly Father in prayer."

~Elder Packer

Saviour's Way

In every setting, the Savior was an example and mentor to His disciples. He prepared Himself to teach by spending time alone in prayer and fasting.

Share with the youth how reverence helps you prepare to receive personal revelation.

How can you encourage the youth to show respect for sacred things?

Ways of Revelation

He prompts us through our feelings.

[D&C 8:8]

He brings peace.

[D&C 39:6]

He speaks to the mind and heart in a still small voice.

[D&C 8:2-3]

Special Witnesses

Elder Maxwell - faith, universe